The Final Safari dayToday was another amazing day on Safari. I am always surprised how every day can be so different from the previous day. We may go on the same path but always see different animals. Almost always, we see things that are a once in a lifetime sight. For example, today we were just driving around after our morning break of an egg sandwich, usually served around 10: AM when Kent thought it would be a good idea to check the tires(find an outside restroom)! As I asked the question about checking the tires, Lynn finally admits that she is quite uncomfortable and really really needs a bathroom. The good news is the guides are very experienced in these types of circumstances so they carry toilet paper and the whole thing just for emergencies like this. As we were driving looking for a discrete spot, we realized we were right beside the Maia River and there were several Wildebeest waiting to cross the river. Crossing the river is a really really big deal here, especially for tourists. People plan their life around being able to witness the famous “River Crossing”. This is because the wildebeest can be very very unique in their lifestyle. They act as if they really don’t want to cross this fairly fast flowing river, even though they are also convinced the grass is truly greener on the other side. Then there is the issue with crocodiles. Crocidiles typically only eat like once or twice per year and a good solid Wildebeest can last them for a long time.So we happened upon this huge group of Wildebeast along the river (thanks to my bladder and Lynn’s bowels…yes I had to do the number two out in the Bush!) looking like they may want to cross. And as we are looking in the river, there are at least three huge crocodiles watching in the water and wondering the same thing. All of the sudden, out of the blue, a Wildebeast jumps into the water and starts swimming across. Within seconds, the whole heard of hundreds turns to follow the leader. The crocodiles are looking like “ OK, this could be good” as all of these Wildebeast start jumping in the water. Now for context, the Wildebeast are known for not being that smart and the crocs know this. The crocs are down steam of this fast moving water waiting for the Wildebeast to miss a step and flow with the water towards them.I did video the whole thing and the final outcome is one Wildebeest, after being dragged for a long time by a croc, got away. A small calf was down and gone by a croc before it knew what happened and a fairly large female hung on for a very very long time before another croc came to help the first and took her under the water by biting her in the head. Hope they considered it a pretty amazing meal! I (Lynn) was suppose to do pictures but I was so enthralled by the whole thing it just didn’t happen. Finally, we were able check the tires but most importantly, Lynn was able to feel a lot more comfortable. If Lynn’s mom, Dorothy was still alive, the 2 fingers would go up, indicating success, along with a really big smile!!I (Kent) had been trying to plan a little surprise for Lynn’s Birthday but we were leaving Northern Serengeti on the 19th, then traveling most of the day on her birthday, the 20th, so was trying to figure it all out. I talked to the guide explaining the predicament and he said Akuna Matata (no worries) it was all taken care of. When we returned to camp on the last day there was smoke everywhere and they explained they have annual burns of the dead grass to promote new growth for small grass which is easier for the animals to digest the new growth compared to the dead tall tough grass. It was quite smoky and we were a little worried our tent might catch on fire as the flames were fairly close but the guides assured us we were fine.Ultimately, they were planning a little picnic to surprise Lynn for her birthday however due to the fires, they opted for a perfect surprise in the beautiful tented dining room with cake, native dance and songs. It was an absolutely amazing surprise! What a memorable birthday for Lynn!